Bagged Sparrow

Today, I was allowed to sit in as Amanda explain to a group of students the project that bands birds for research.  She holds in her hand a paper bag with something moving around. It was captures inside a net earlier and waits for Amanda to let it out.

The student wait in anticipation to discover what kind of bird it is. Amanda explains the marking on the outside of the bag. SW SP are the letters that marks the bag. It stands for what kind of bird that is trapped inside.

When she pulls it out, Amanda puts the small metal band on the bird's leg. SW SP stand for swamp sparrow. The information from the band will be entered into a data base that is shared all across the world.

Along with the specie of the bird, are the measurements of the wings, tail and sex. One last thing to do to the bird. It is put into a tube and put on a scale to measure its weight. Now the swamp sparrow is let freed to go about its business.

Two of Amanda's co-researchers go out to search the nets for other birds. This will go on for the next few weeks. The information that is collected helps to study the migration patterns and where the birds lives. It was an interesting morning, which I enjoyed getting to see the bagged sparrow.

Mother Goose Chase

The chase begins. I sat watching the juvenile eagle bouncing around the marsh trying to catch something. Of course, he seemed to fail in his endeavor. He kept coming up empty.

He made the mistake of getting to close to a goose's nest. A new chase was on. This mother goose was set on getting the eagle. The eagle made his escape and flew to a nearby tree. But not without his pride being wounded along with his backside.

I have seen the many times the geese defending their nest from ospreys, eagles and hawks. They are a perfect example of a mother's willingness to do whatever it takes to protect her young.

With Mother's Day approaching fast, I wonder if we can remember times in our past when our mothers defending us? I also wondered, as mothers ourselves, what we would do?

A Titmouse Bite

Today, I enjoy the pleasure of walking around Harford Glen again. I sure do miss it when they are closed to the public during the winter months.

As I made my way to one of the picnic area, I notice someone holding onto a small bird. Amanda, who I came to find out was doing research on the birds here at the nature center. This titmouse was not enjoying the process and made his feelings known. He proceeded to keep biting her as she tried to make it easy for me to take a picture.

How often do we tend to bite the hand that is only trying to help us. We are so short-sighted and lashed out when we should be accepting the help and love.

Today, I am reminded to accept the love of my family, friends and most of all God. I do not want to act like this precious titmouse and bite the hands of those who just want to be there for me.